It was the tradition at Shawnee Park Christian Reformed Church, Grand Rapids, MI, for the New Year's Eve service to be led by a choir made up of high school age through young adults. This group met for just two rehearsals during Christmas break. Given the few rehearsals the pieces chosen were very accessible. The choir also helped lead the litanies throughout the service.
Piano Prelude
Choir Processional: "Surely the Presence of the Lord" Wolfe
God's Greeting
Word of Welcome
Welcome to___Church. Tonight we are going to celebrate and praise God for staying close to us throughout another year. God's presence among us is symbolized by the light of the Christ candle.
Songs of Praise [congregation and choir]
"Arise, Shine" Glass [refrain only; sing twice]
"The King of Glory" Edinburgh
"King of Kings" [sing twice]
Presence of God in Creation and the Incarnation
Leader: God, you spoke, and by your word the heavens and earth were formed.
Choir: Your presence fills all of creation, and we glory in it.
Hymn [choir]: "Thou Art Worthy" Mills [sing twice]
Leader: God, your presence in our world was felt in a new way in the coming of Jesus. They called his name Immanuel—God with us.
Choir: Your presence was the Word becoming flesh dwelling among us, and we beheld his glory.
Song [choir]: "Immanuel"
Solo: "How Great Thou Art" Boberg
Presence of God in the World
Leader: God, our souls are singing how great you are as we feel your presence now in our world controlling, sustaining, and providing. There is turmoil and strife, there are rumors of war and struggles for power.
Choir: Yet your presence fills our world. You are the ruler overall, and your faithfulness reaches higher than the heavens. We glory in it!
Hymn: "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" Chisholm [stanza 1, choir; stanza 2, solo; stanza 3, congregation]
Presence of God in Our Worship
Leader: God, we have felt your presence in our worship this year, in baptisms, in professions of faith, in communion, in children's worship, and in prayer and song.
Choir: Your presence fills our church and our worship, and we glory in it.
Hymn [choir]: "In the Presence of Your People" Chambers [sing twice]
Presence of God in Our Personal Lives
Leader: God, as the psalmist says, you dwell within us by your Spirit. "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" From the heights of our joys to the depths of our sorrows, from hearty laughter to stinging tears, you have been there.
Choir: Your presence within us and around us upholds, comforts, sustains, and inspires us, and we glory in it.
Hymn: "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" Dorsey [stanza 1, choir; stanzas 2-3, congregation]
Solo: "There is Strength in the Name of the Lord"
Prayer
Hymn: "Be Still and Know" [children first time, with congregation second time]
Scripture: Exodus 33:14
Message: His Presence
Solo: "When Peace Like a River" Spafford
Presence of God in Our Witness and Service
Leader: It is well, it is well with my soul! Rejoice in the peace that comes from knowing Christ, the light of the world. At the close of another year, we too are reminded to shine as lights in this dark world. As the choir sings and spreads the light from the Christ candle to each of your lights, feel the presence of the Lord. Be still and meditate on God's love.
Choir Recessional: "The Light of the World Is Jesus" Bliss[The choir will move down the aisles to light the candles of those on the ends of the pews. Each person is asked to light the candle of the person next to him or her. The lighted candles should always remain upright. When all candles have been lit, please join on the chorus.]
Leader: Hold your lights up high. As your light symbolizes the presence of God in you and around you, be true to that light. Shine in this world of darkness at all times and in all places.
Hymn: "Lead Me, Guide Me" Akers [stanza 1, choir; stanzas 2-3, all]
Benediction
Recessional: "The Light Still Shines"
(N. Sleeth)
